VMAT2

Most Aari follow either Protestant Christianity or traditional beliefs. A few practice Orthodox Christianity.^[8]

After conquest by the Ethiopian Empire in the late 1800s, many Aari were forced to convert to Orthodox Christianity,^[3] although this religion became heavily stigmatized due to its association with the invading forces and perceived economic exploitation by Orthodox priests.^[9] In the 1950s, large numbers became Protestants as a result of Western missionary work (especially by SIM). Today, the vast majority of Aari Christians are Protestants.^[9]